Visitor Visa Restrictions Introduced for Some Nationals Applying in Dubai

The situation

Saudi visitor visa applicants from Australia, Canada, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa and Ukraine applying for Saudi visas in Dubai will now see shorter visa durations and restricted stays.

A closer look

• Citizens of Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa and Ukraine. These applicants are now eligible only for a single-entry Saudi visitor visa, valid for 90 days with a maximum duration of stay of up to 30 days.
  • Previous rule. Previously, these nationals were eligible for multiple-entry visas.
     
• Citizens of Canada. These applicants are eligible for single- and multiple-entry visas but the maximum validity of the visa is now limited to 180 days with a maximum duration of stay of up to 30 days.
  • Previous rule. Previously, these nationals were eligible for visas with a validity of up to two years.
     
• Citizens of India. These applicants are eligible for single- and multiple-entry visas valid for up to two years, however if the visa was issued with a validity of 90 days, the maximum allowable duration of stay in Saudi Arabia is 30 days.
  • Previous rule. Previously, these nationals were eligible for stays of up to 90 days if the visa was issued with a validity of 90 days.

Impact

Affected nationals face restricted stays under a visitor visa in Saudi Arabia and should consider the new allowable visa durations when planning their business activities.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].